Example of a gunshot wound to the right buttock and right upper leg. These are shotgun pellets that have caused no harm to bones or major arteries and do not need to be removed.

Unfortunately in this day in age, most gunshot wounds are not hunting related at all. This individual was shot with a 9mm. The entrance wound is at the top of the foot. The exit wound is at the bottom near the ankle. Luckily there was no bone involvement. This picture is 4 days after injury. The redness is clear evidence along with the warmth that infection is also occurring. Outdoor Treatment: Gunshot Wound to Foot Treating these type of wounds, specifically of the extremities, is basic wound care. Try to calm and reassure the individual. Check for sensation and pulse distal to the wound. Irrigate irrigate irrigate! Bandage. Consider a tourniquet only if bleeding cannot be stopped by direct pressure. Make sure the tourniquet is released every 15 minutes for 5 minutes. Splint so the individual cannot move the extremity. Transport as soon as possible. Healthcare Provider: Medical Treatment Gunshot wounds as the one above to the foot presented to the ER or urgent care center should be treated as follows. Check for neuro-vascular deficits. X-ray. Anesthetize. Ask and check about tetanus update. Irrigate irrigate irrigate. Not advisable to close these wounds by suturing. In fact, it would be beneficial in some cases as above to pack the wound. An MRI and referral to a trauma surgeon is important to rule out tendon/muscle involvement. Antibiotic coverage is crucial with the emergence of MRSA, we cannot be too careful on our choices. This individual was placed on cephlasporin and was complient with his antibiotic and still had a cellulitis. He was given additional coverage of a Quinolone.